Every four years, against stiff competition from other cities around the UK, a city is nominated to be the City of Culture. In 2017 Coventry won this accolade for the year 2021. The judges were impressed, not just by its history and wealth of cultural activity, but by its diversity, its youthfulness, and its convenient location slap bang in the middle of England with good transport routes in all directions.
Our year in the spotlight was due to start in January next year. Covid-19, and the strong likelihood that its impact will still be having a negative effect on everyone’s movements during the winter, has meant that the start of the cultural year has now been postponed to May. The good news is, though, that there will still be a full year as the city of culture, and activities will run through till May 2022.
Inevitably, the virus has delayed the planning for the festivities, but a full programme is scheduled to be released in January next year. It will include what is billed as a ‘signature event’ – an ambitious project that will tell the story of the spirit and energy of Coventry, and celebrate voices from every part of the city.
As with other cities that have been awarded City of Culture status in the past, Coventry will attract big names in theatre, ballet, music, and art to venues across the city. But the accolade is also acting as a spur for lesser known local individuals and groups, both amateur and professional. Watch out for my own booklet on Coventry Stars of Stage and Screen – from medieval times to today!
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